Wood Privacy Fence Calculator
Wood privacy fences are the most popular residential choice in America. Built with 1×6 or 1×4 dog-ear pickets nailed to 2×4 horizontal rails between pressure-treated 4×4 posts, they provide complete visual privacy at 6 feet tall. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable, while cedar and redwood offer natural rot resistance and a richer appearance. Standard sections are 8 feet wide.
Quick Calculator
Posts
22
Concrete
44
Pickets
480
Rails
57
Est. Cost
$2,250–$3,750
Advantages
- Full privacy at 6 ft tall
- Most affordable privacy option ($15–$25/ft)
- Easy to repair—replace individual pickets
- Can be stained or painted any color
- Widely available at every home center
Considerations
- Needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years
- Susceptible to rot, warping, and insects
- 15–20 year average lifespan
- Heavy—may need a helper for installation
Installation Tip
Set posts in concrete and let them cure overnight before attaching rails. Use a string line between end posts to keep everything straight. Pre-stain pickets before installation for complete coverage.
Materials List – 150 ft of Wood Privacy
| Material | Qty | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Posts (4×4×8 ft) | 22 | $330 |
| Concrete Mix (60 lb bags) | 44 | $264 |
| Rails (2×4×8 ft) | 57 | $399 |
| Pickets | 480 | $1,920 |
| Total Estimated Materials | $2,250 – $3,750 |
Wood Privacy Fence by Length
Recommended Materials
Pressure-Treated Fence Post 4×4×8
Ground-contact rated, ideal for all fence types.
$12 – $18
Cedar Dog-Ear Picket 1×6×6
Naturally rot-resistant, smooth on one side.
$3 – $6
Quikrete 60 lb Fast-Setting Concrete
Sets in 20-40 minutes. No mixing required.
$5 – $7
Post Hole Digger – Fiberglass Handle
Heavy-duty clamshell digger for clean holes.
$35 – $55
Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Bracket
Galvanized L-bracket for rail-to-post connections.
$4 – $8
Decorative Post Cap 4×4
Copper-top cap, fits standard 4×4 posts.
$5 – $12